New Delhi: Condemning the violence by Dera Sacha Sauda followers, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav Friday said such incidents are bound to happen when politicians take help from religious leaders and mix religion with politics.

File image of Sharad Yadav. AFP

In criticism apparently aimed at the BJP, which had actively courted Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Yadav said when Union ministers and other influential politicians visit him, people close to him are unlikely to fear police.

"When religion and politics are mixed, and politicians take assistance of religion in politics, then such incidents are bound to happen today or tomorrow. We still have time to learn that politicians should not take advantage and assistance in the name of religion and faith," he said in a statement.

Self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was Friday convicted of rape, sparking violence from thousands of his followers in parts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi.